Samsung 9 Series laptop (ZX310 / 900X3A) unveiled

Sorry, I read your post too quickly You can just buy a micro hdmi to hdmi from anywhere. Why would you ask for the part number??? :confused2:

 

The screen with 1366x768 resolution and probably mediocre contrast is a con in my opinion.

 

@Phil

I think that, in general, these ultrabook screens will have 1366x766 resolution, except for the Acer Aspire S3, so it's more a standard rather than a negative.

I'm not expecting that these ultrabooks will have the great matte, anti-glare, 400 nits screen that the Samsung Series 9 has but we just don't know yet.

The "front runner" in the ultrabooks was looking like the Toshiba Portege Z830/Z835 but I've read too much about Toshiba service difficulties so I'm not thinking that is not the best option.

As this stage, there's a good chance that I will stick with the Samsung Series 9. I really wish that Samsung would bring out a "second generation" with changes so that WiFi can perform at expected standards and the power plug is redesigned. I want to see how Samsung services the Series 9 that I've sent in (with my list of recommendations).

 

kalahari, did you have the Samsung in your hands? It didn't feel strong at all to me. Some reviews have mentioned the same thing.

The Asus UX31 is said to have a 1600 x 900 screen.

If the ultra books don't convince I might buy another Air.

 

@Phil

Yes, I've been using the Samsung Series 9 for 4 months. No, it doesn't feel very strong or firm to me. It does not feel good to have them bend and feel fragile -- I've received three and they've all felt the same -- like the screws need to be tightened (but they are already tight)...

I also wonder if it makes them more susceptible to LCD screen breaking. It might be because a service person (non-Samsung person) who does official repairs for these in the USA, said that most repairs are cracked screens -- I don't know if that is because they have been dropped or maybe the screen is too flexible.

For me, it's not an option to buy an Air. I really like Windows 7 and expect to like Windows 8 even more...

 

Service difficulties? Got any links that I can take a look at?

I just posted this in the UX31 thread, but I think it's fitting here too:

Here are some reasons why I really like the Toshiba:

* Backlit Keyboard

* Very lightweight (2.45 lbs)

* Non-Glossy screen

* Separate left and right buttons on the touchpad (I prefer this)

* Dedicated Home / PageUp / PageDown / End buttons (I very much like having these buttons)

* Full size HDMI port (not Micro-HDMI)

* Full size Ethernet port

* Most ports are in the back of the laptop (from past experience I know that I like this)

It's not perfect (nothing is) but it has a lot going for it.

 

@SoundsGood

Haven't done a lot of research on Toshiba service but stories like this one bother me a little. I know that there are complaints about every brand out there so it needs to be taken with a grain of salt. Also, maybe the servicing in the USA is handled differently.

I didn't know the Toshiba had "non-glossy screen". Would that be "matte" or not really? I do like the full HDMI port and ports on the back (compared to Samsung).

 

I'd guess that we could find "horror stories" on every single brand out there. I always thought Toshiba was one of the better ones, but ??

I can't say for sure but from what I've read, the consumer Z835 will have a glossy finish and the business Z830 will have a matte finish.

Me too. Not a huge deal, but I like it. Collectively, for me anyway, there's a lot to like about the Toshiba.

 

I thought the glossy on the Z835 and matte on the Z830 was in reference to the case finish I guess I need to check some more reviews...

EDIT: SoundsGood is correct. The Z830 screen is matte and Z835 is glossy. Why would Toshiba consumer version have glossy screen? Weird...

 

You could be right. Early specs are often wrong, with one site saying one thing and another site saying something else. Either way, there seem to be a lot more "pros" than "cons" with the Toshiba. We'll see, I guess.

 

"To resolve the WiFi issue: go to Samsung website and download under "Drivers" tab WLAN_Intel_64bit_14.1.1.3 - COMPLETELY RESOLVES THE WIFI ISSUE"

Something I copied form an Amazon review of the B01 review. I hope this helps some people. Also whilst im on the matter, why dont people just use a USB wifi adaptor? I know its not really acceptable for samsung to have let this wifi problem occur but surely an adaptor fixes this for a fraction for the cost of swapping video cards and returning models. Is there something I'm missing out here? But anyway.

Also some advice to the people looking to buy a Series 9; If you want the standard spec go for the B01 (B02 if you want 256GB) model since its faster and much better value (upto $400 difference) which makes the A0 series seem kinda redundant. Keep in mind that reviews are of A03 model which has now for all intents and purposes been updated and replaced. B0's are in effect gen2.

That's all folks

 

@Firenzo

As someone who has been battling WiFi issues and done MUCH experimentation for four months, I can tell you that that updated Intel driver does not help. The problem is the Duralumin case.

Yes, the Series 9 works fine with an USB WiFi adapter -- that's why we know it's not the internals. Another thing pointing to the Duralumin being the problem.

One of the reasons for the A0 series models being more expensive is the 3-year warranty that they have. The B0 models only have a 1-year warranty. I thought price differences were around $300 but prices of all models have dropped so that might have changed.

As far as I'm concerned, we're still waiting for a "Gen 2" model with the WiFi problem fixed and a better solution to the fragile power adapter/plug.

 

I've just had an interesting (and disappointing) discussion with one of the techs that actually repairs the Series 9 -- not a tech support or customer service person.

We discussed the items in my letter above (I was impressed that they'd actually read it and not just discarded it!):
1. the antenna cannot be placed behind the screen bezel because the LED screen is a single, unopenable unit. (I had actually found this out recently because it is in the Service Manual.) So I believed him.
2. he did not think that it was an option to put the antenna under the keyboard. Couldn't really say why but did not think it would work anyway.
3. would not consider installing an Intel 6300 for me. Said that Samsung only authorizes Intel 6230 in the USA. If I want to do it myself, I can but I "will void the warranty". (Not worried about that at all...)
4. no, there is no solution/replacement for the fragile power adapter. He said that they a LOT of Series 9 are coming in for power adapter repair.

So it's going to be returned to me with no changes. I can still return this model (for refund) in the next 6 weeks so will keep it for a while at least. I wish Samsung would produce a new, better Series 9 -- they could blow the Ultrabook competition away if they wanted to with a couple of changes (although their prices might be higher).

 

I just sent my Series 9 back for service for the second time. The first time was to fix the WiFi. They replaced the Broadcom adapter with an Intel but it didn't really help. I ended up just using an external USB adapter. They kept it over a month.
Now...the black veneer on the spacebar on the keyboard is peeling off. I've never seen something like this on ANY laptop keyboard before. Hopefully I will get it back faster this time. It would be nice if I actually got to use the thing once in a while.

 

I have a problem with my VGA-output. When I use the projector with the Micro-HDMI to VGA cable from Samsung, the notebook loses the signal from time to time which is quite annoying. There's also no image on the notebook screen. So i have to reactivate it by moving my mouse or pressing a key. It's like a small standby.

Can anyone help?

 

It must be the automatic "screen turn off" of your power profile. By default Samsung enables that (+ sleep) even when you are on external power.

To change that, go to your "control panel" then "power options" and finaly on the left side "Choose when to turn off the display".
You may need to go in "Advanced mode" to change some values (thanks to samsung easy power management).

Cheers

 

Hi

Does anyone know if the latest Builds are still having the same WIfi issue, or has the been an adjustment to either the hardward, the aerial placement or the casing to improve matters? I am passing through an airport tomorrow and would love to replace my aging XPS M1330 with something light and stylish. And I require Windows in my work, so MBA is not an option.

Thanks in advance.

 

@ MyeRegn

It's very unlikely that the WiFi problem has been solved. The latest build that has been mentioned here is July 2011 (which still had the problem) so there is a small chance.
I would be happy to hear someone report otherwise though -- I would replace mine with that immediately...

 

@ Kalahari

Thanks for the opinion. I think I am going to take a risk on this machine anyway. I don't travel much, so if it works at home, I will be able to keep it. If the signal is poor, I will be quickly back to the shop. Where I live, in Norway, there is a very clear and unequivocal consumer rights law, so I have a great deal of confidence.

Once more, thanks...

MyeRegn

 

Sorry, haven't been on the forum for a while but you are correct, it adheres to itself and seals great around the weak point of the cable.

 

Thanks but i'd already googled it - been using it for some time for a number of other applications

 

has anyone else lost control of when their laptop sleeps or display turns off

first it was just the loss of hybrid sleep - when i shut the lid down, it goes straight to normal sleep mode, and i have to hit the power button and wait while it comes out of samsung windows recovery

when i go to control panel > power control, the choices are greyed out (and will not allow me to change them) but what is selected for "when the lid is closed" is to sleep

now i noticed, that while i can still change the display turn off settings and time for the laptop to go into sleep mode, they aren't working - ie just woke up from a 1 hour nap, and display was still wide awake even though it was set to put the display to sleep at the 5 minute mark and the laptop to sleep at the 15 minute mark, while plugged in (it basically stays plugged in 100% of the time when i'm home)

 

Ughh so I received the 256GB HD.
The connector is completely different.. looks like I need another part. The connector piece from the HD to the Mobo.

Anyone have a PN?

edit: the 256GB is essentially a standard 1.8 SSD.

 

Does this laptop heats a LOT? I just played a 2D game and it goes up to 80 C according to sensors and its really really hot when I touch the upper left part.

 

scroll back 3-5 pages - there were a few posts with folks comparing temps - iirc, 50-55C were the hotest i recall anyone reporting

 

I was trying to monitor the fan speed of the Series 9 a bit. I just noted that it goes up and down every now and then and also, the Quite mode shuts it down. Before permanently going to this silent mode, I just wanted to have a hardware monitor program to report it's speed.
The most popular (speedfan) doesn't find any fans, as well as others (HWmonitor, hmonitor). So it's probably some special hardware setup not to be found by programs.

Did anyone ever completely switch to "Silent Mode" and keep the temperatures under control?

 

So does this have a weak power connector like the Asus 1215N? I was about to get this too :\...

 

When cpu is idle temp values are like that. But under heavy load it goes to 78 - 80 C.
Can anyone confirm these values? Do I need to go to service?

 

Considering the series 9 but the wifi issue concerns me. Found these comments in an amazon review:

happydude says:
"Great machine, but it took my IT department a lot of trial and error to get the wifi working. The key was when they noticed that the wifi works very well when the machine is plugged into a power source. It works sporadically (sometimes horribly) when unplugged. Chasing this down, it turned out that one of the power save default settings dramatically reduces and cycles the wifi performance. It is fixable by monkeying with the power save settings. Once that was fixed, the machines started to perform flawlessly. Wonderful machines, but you have to get that under control." FOUND THIS POST IN THE 5 STAR REVIEWS
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In reply to an earlier post on Aug 31, 2011 10:53:53 AM PDT
HDH says:
Thanks happydude, that helps alot!
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In reply to an earlier post on Sep 6, 2011 4:00:10 PM PDT
Armadillo says:
Happydude - You are a genius and/or your IT department is excellent! I have spent days reading about horrible wifi problems on this machine in an effort to solve the horrible wifi problems with my brandy new series 9. The advice runs from replacing the wifi card to changing router setting to installing new drivers to throwing the machine out of the window or at the very least returning it for a refund. Your "fix" worked like a dream. On my machine at least the "Samsung Optimized" (default) power management setting is set under the wifi tab to maximize power saving when on battery. I cannged this to maximize wfifi performance and voila; problem totally solved. OK, my battery life may be a little shorter but you can turn off the wifi in one keystroke if you don't need it (such as when on an aircraft) and that's really when you need the battery life anyway. Brilliant! Thanks so much.

Please can someone let me know if the wifi works better when the machine is plugged in or if setting the power management to maximise wifi performance makes any difference.

 

Personally I changed that power setting since the beginning, so I cannot really compare. What I can say is that the even with the wifi power settings set to max performances, the wifi signal is still weaker than my old Dell Latitude laptop (my samsung has the Centrino 6230 card).
My personal appreciation about wifi is "weaker than normal" but not "terrible". I bought an external "high gain" usb wifi adapter for 20€ which I use in situations like hotels with poor signal. At home I installed a second router to cover all my apartment with 4-5 bars and I don t have any problem.

My main concern at the moment is the weak power plug, I had to return it for that reason (it became almost impossible to charge it).
I am now waiting for my laptop to come back.

Cheers,
Laurent

 

Can anyone comment on this? I have a 600 dollar drive just sitting around useless.

Or has anyone been able to find a service manual for this laptop?

Thanks!

 

i've got one for the A03 but funny thing, i can't find my receipt or anything telling me where i got it - try the samy repair svc in Texas - someone else here will have their name/contact info

fyi - it was $28 delivered, and the one thing i wanted wasn't in it - ie how to remove the keyboard plastic surround - i wanted to see about moving the wifi antenna leads under it

 

Just got myself a 900X3A.

Running Windows 7 Ultimate. BUT, Intel wireless pro says "No adapter found".

I've got no WiFI, and when i rightclick on computer and to go manage hardware. It says "unidentified network controller" or sometmhing similiar.

Tried to download the drivers from Samsungs homepage, didn't change anything.
Got the Broadcom WiFI.

Anyone got a solution for this?

 

The laptop had intel drivers installed when it had a broadcom.
Problem solved.

 

Wasn't there a dedicated Series 9 WiFi issues thread? can't seem to find it and forum search sucks.

I've had my S9 for a while now and I still have WiFi issues from time to time. Sometimes it's fine. Just went to the Mobilize conference in SF and the WiFi fared pretty well. Still, I'm about to go to CTIA in San Diego and I'm a little worried that the amount of wireless connections is just going to kill my WiFi altogether. It's imperative that I have a wireless connection for my job so I bought a high gain USB WiFi antenna in hopes that it will give my S9 some stability.

If someone could redirect me to the thread, I'd be thankful. Just want to know if there has been any progress made with the wifi without either taking the machine apart or sending it back to Samsung.

Many thanks

 

@ SnuffOnDigital,

Unfortunately, no news from Samsung on WiFi fix.

As far as current models, I can tell you that the support techs, for Samsung USA, do not have any solution either. I posted earlier about this but basically I spoke to the Support Tech (because I had sent in my S9 for weak WiFi with a bunch of suggestions) and there was not a single solution that he had. So my S9 has been sent back to me unchanged.

It's worth noting, also posted earlier, that there is a new model, only available in South Korea so far, that has the Intel 6300 and 3 antenna (NT900X3A-A88). So maybe Samsung have made some changes that improves WiFi.

 

i got a USB wifi adaptor - a little simpler solution - first one i got was $11.48 shipped but stuck out further (abou5 1.75" and proved to be a little vulnerable on the couch

Nano USB Type Wireless Network Card EP-N8508 - DinoDirect.com

 

It seems that ultrabooks are finally starting to come in..

Online Retailers Reveal Ultrabook Prices, Start at $900 - Laptoping.com

Choices..choices..:/

 

FYI.

I am so annoyed with Samsung USA and SDS America (who does their repairs)!!!!

I sent my S9 in for service in original Samsung box and with the AC power cord and adapter (as required). I got it back in a generic cardboard box WITHOUT the AC power cord and adapter. I have pretty much decided that I will be returning this S9 but I can't do that now because I don't have the Samsung box (with serial # etc)!

I've spoken to Tech Support and to Executive Customer Relations today and now have to talk to SDS America on Monday. Why don't they make more of an effort to achieve customer satisfaction? They have products that are almost great but don't seem to know how to keep their customers happy.

 

I just got my series 9 back from its second trip to service two days ago. The first was for WiFi, which wasn't fixed and I am now using a USB adapter. The second time was for veneer flaking off of the keyboard keys. The day after I got it back the second time the power adapter connection started failing and the headphone jack is messing up as well (tried with 4 different sets of headphones). It appears that it has to go back for a 3rd time, and all for issues that are design related and not isolated defects. I have NEVER seen such a piece of crap that cost so much. This has been by far the biggest mistake in a purchase that I have every made. How in the world can I depend on a machine that has to be sent in for service every couple of months? Samsung, just stick to phones and TVs and stay the heck out of the PC business. As soon as the Toshiba Z830 comes out I am ditching this piece of crap and will contact a lawyer to see if I can't get together a class action lawsuit.

 

That sucks, personally whenever dealing with these kind of stuff I always send the bare minimum. You can probably get samsung to send you a new AC but the box is a bit trickier.

Call up the local police and report them for robbery? lol

Samsung usually messes up their first few attempts be it TVs or Smartphones but after a generation or 2 they get it right.

Now if you want to make it the 2nd biggest mistake you would proceed with the class action lawsuit lol (aka don't bother and just sue them in small claims court)

The way the broken class action system is setup, when you win a class action they calculate estimates and pay the lawyers in advanced based on the estimates. Once the lawyers are paid they don't care about the clients and will screw you over and turn against you if you don't like what they agreed to.

Thats what happened in the Nvidia HP laptop case. They put aside a sum of 130 million to pay off damages. Lawyers took 10% of that aka 13 million. Then gave a short period for people to register with a lot of confusion so effectively only 10 million was claimed by users.

So then people ended up complaining saying the period was too short and they should give more fair laptop exchanges cause only 10million was claimed out of the 130million. So our own lawyers turned against us and got "experts" to lie to say that everything was fair and equal. (My guess is our lawyers made a secret deal with Nvidia so that nvidia settles and lawyers get most of the money, this way saving nvidia money and making the lawyers more money)

So end of story, we got crappy replacements only 10million was claimed. And the official story reads that the lawyers came out like heroes generously ONLY taking 10%. (which is more then everyone got COMBINED)

Trust me, small claims court is better, most likely samsung won't even show up to defend itself and its instant win.

 

@uniten and @greendp

I obviously overreacted on my previous post about Samsung USA and SDS America and how they handled my return including not returning parts that they insisted I send. I was tired, after traveling, but I'm not taking any of that sentiment back.

 

My Series 9 wont boot, the orange battery indicator is constantly on, and when I hit the power it shines blue for on for a second or two, and the caps lock key blinks twice. Does anyone know what this means?

 

My samsung 9 keeps on stopping by 80% charge it wont charge over that. I try draining the battery and I've tried changing the usage and nothing.

Anyone have any idea how to fix it?

 

That's a BIOS setting. Advanced > Battery Life Cycle Extension. You want it to be "Disabled". Setting it to "Enabled" means that the battery will charge up to 80% for "extending the battery life cycle".

LOL. I was just about to come back to this post and edit it to add the other option that @jeanarthur said in the post below about Fn-F1 and Battery Life Extender...

 

It's actually a feature you must have turned on accidentally.
To turn it off press the Function-Key (FN, blue key) and the F1 key simultanely to get into a options menu called control center. Turn off the Battery Life Extender funtion.

On a side note: bought a 900x1b and the WiFi sucks!

Can't even download 1-3Mb files while being directly near the WiFi router..
Speeds are about 100kb/s on my Fritzbox Wifi.

Strangely it works well on the university "eduroam" Wifi.

Connectify does not work at all, it is not connecting to a connectify hotspot nor turning the 900x1b into a hotspot itself.

 

Ok. I havn't read through the thread, so the info might have been here allready...

I did some post earlier in the thread, as we had a engineer from Samsung over after I reviewed the 900X3 for pcworld.no and found the wlan-performance and range was very bad.

Latest info I got from Samsung here in Norway now is that they have moved the antenna up in the screen and new wi-fi-cards. I havn't received any information on how computers with the new design can be identified.

This can be very good news

 

Does anyone know where I can find documentation on what the bios led light error codes mean when the system doesn't boot?

 

I am planning on getting the series 7 slate which is pretty much the same specs as the i5 version. Has anyone with the i5 version tried editing 1080p video in Vegas video, after effects, or premiere cs5? If so can it playback a stream smoothly in preview mode?

 

Hi clasme, that's great news.

I'm interested in buying the 900X3A but don't want to take the risk of WLAN Problems.

Reading this and other threads, articles, comments, i believe this is a design problem which occurs because of the Duralumin case plus bad choice of antenna spots and wifi card.
Some people may have had luck with non-busy signal areas and stronger wifi routers not making this noticeable.

I live in Switzerland and have spotted following models on the market:

NP900X3A-A01CH - Problem confirmed
NP900X3A-B02CH - No Info
NP900X3A-B03CH - Problem confirmed
NP900X3A-B04CH - No Info
NP900X3A-B05CH - Problem confirmed

I'm guessing all models are affected by the wifi problem.

Do you think you could find out when these fixed version of the 900X3A are coming out and what product number they will carry?